Railing constructions and parts therefor or the like



y 8 968 J. 5. CASE ETAL 3,385,567

RAILING CONSTRUCTIONS AND PARTS THEREFOR OR THE LIKE Filed Nov. 5. 19656 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTORS JOHN S. CASE THEIR ATTORNEYS JAMES E. BELCHER, JR.

' May 28, 1968 J. 5. CASE ET AL RAILING CONSTRUCTIONS AND PARTS THEREFOROR THE LIKE Filed Nov. 5, 1965 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG-6 I-IG H 39 4746 374 45 56 4 56 INVENTORS JOHN 5. CASE BY JAMES E. BELCHER,JR. AW )WK THEIRATTORNEYS May 28, 1968 s E ETAL 3,385,567

RAILING CONSTRUCTIONS AND PARTS THEREFOR OR THE LIKE Filed Nov. 5. 19656 Sheets-Sheet 5 FIG-l7 F lG-l 8 46A 46A /3OA INVENTORS JOHN 5. CASEJAMES E. BELCHER,JR.

TH El R ATTORNEYS RAILING CONSTRUCTIONS AND PARTS THEREFOR OR THE LIKEMay 28, 1968 J. 5. CASE ETAL 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed NOV. 5. 1965 fi a glINVENTORS JOHN S. CASE JAMES E. BELCHER,JR. 'wn w K &7

THEIR ATTORNEYS y 1968 J. 5. CASE ETAL 3,385,567

RAILING CONSTRUCTIONS AND PARTS THEREFOR OR THE LIKE Filed Nov. 5, 19656 Sheets-Sheet 6 m-35 |so FIG-36 FIG-37 K 57 INVENTORS JOHN S. CASEJAMES E. BELCHER,JR.

x/ n/w 244% y THEIR ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,385,567 RAILINGCONSTRUCTIONS AND PARTS THEREFOR OR THE LIKE John S. Case, Towson, Md.,and James E. Belcher, Jr., Henrico County, Va., assignors to ReynoldsMetals Company, Richmond, Va., a corporation of Delaware Filed Nov. 5,1965, Ser. No. 506,534 14 Claims. (Cl. 256-24) ABSTRACT OF THEDISCLOSURE This disclosure relates to a railing construction wherein apanel arrangement is secured to and between a pair of adjacent supportposts, the panel arrangement having an upper frame member that isreceived in facing channels of the support posts and is provided with atransverse web that directly rests on the tops of the support posts tosuspend the panel arrangement between the support posts This inventionrelates to improved railing constructions and to improved parts for suchrailing constructions or the like.

Heretofore, railing constructions or the like have been formed ofcomplicated structures and assembled and fabricated by complicatedprocedures whereby an attractive versatile railing construction wasdifficult to achieve.

However, by following the teachings of this invention, an improved,attractive and versatile railing construction can be provided byutilizing the improved parts of this invention.

Another feature of this invention is to permit the panel means which areto be secured between adjacent vertically extending support posts to beprefabricated at the factory or the like whereby the same can be shippedin prefabricated condition to be readily utilized between the supportposts located at the desired location, the panel means of this inventionand support posts being so constructed and arranged that field cuttingthereof to compensate for minor errors and bowing of the panelconstructions is completely eliminated because of the adjustableattaching means between the panel means and support posts of thisinvention.

In particular, the panel means of this invention includes an upper framemember that has opposed ends adapted to be telescopically received ininwardly facing channels of a pair of adjacent, spaced support postswhile having a transverse web thereof directly resting on the top of theupper ends of the support posts to suspend the panel means therebetween.The upper frame member can include downwardly extending flanges thatoverlap flanges of the support posts and be secured thereto by fasteningmeans passing through the overlapping portions of the flanges of theupper frame member and the support posts. In this manner, misalignmentbetween the support posts and panel means will be compensated for by thedegree of telescopic relation between the facing channels of the supportposts and the opposed ends of the upper frame member of the panel means.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide an improvedrailing construction having one or more of the novel features set forthabove or hereinafter shown or described.

Another object of this invention is to provide improved parts for such arailing construction or the like.

Other objects, uses and advantages of this invention are apparent from areading of this description which proceeds with reference to theaccompanying drawings forming a part thereof and wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a fragmentary, perspective schematic 3,385,567 Patented May28, 1968 view illustrating one embodiment of the railing construction ofthis invention.

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged, fragmentary view illustrating the method offorming one of the parts of the railing construction of FIGURE 1.

FIGURES 3-6 are views similar to FIGURE 2 and respectively illustratethe methods of forming other parts of the railing construction of FIGURE1.

FIGURE 7 is an enlarged, fragmentary, cross-sectional view taken on line7-7 of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 8 is a perspective view illustrating one of the fastening membersutilized in the construction of FIGURE 9.

FIGURE '9 is an enlarged, fragmentary, cross-sectional view taken online 9-9 of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 10 is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of thefastening member illustrated in FIG- URE 8.

FIGURE 11 is an enlarged, partial, cross-sectional view taken on line1111 of FIGURE 1 except that the cappingmember thereof is removed.

FIGURE 12 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view taken on line 1212 ofFIGURE 1 with the capping members removed.

FIGURE 13 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view taken on line 1313 ofFIGURE 12.

FIGURE 14 is a side view of one of the panel means utilized in therailing construction of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 15 is an enlarged, fragmentary, crosssectional view taken on line15-45 of FIGURE 1 with the capping member removed.

FIGURE 16 is an enlarged, fragmentary, crosssectional view taken on line1616 of FIGURE 1 with the handrail thereof removed.

FIGURE 17 is an end view illustrating a capping member similar to FIGURE5 secured to the extrusion of FIGURE 4.

FIGURE 18 is a view similar to FIGURE 12 and illustrates anotherembodiment of this invention.

FIGURE 19 is 'a front view of a preassembled panel section for formingthe railing construction of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 20 is a fragmentary front view of another railing construction ofthis invention.

FIGURE 21 is an enlarged fragmentary top view, partially broken away, ofthe structure illustrated in FIG- URE 20.

FIGURE 22 is an enlarged, fragmentary, partially broken away side viewof the structure illustrated in FIGURE 20.

FIGURE 23 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view taken on line 23-23 ofFIGURE 22.

FIGURE 24 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view taken on line 2424 ofFIGURE 22.

FIGURE 25 is an enlarged, fragmentary, partially broken away side viewof the structure illustrated in FIGURE 20.

FIGURE 26 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view taken on line 2626 ofFIGURE 25.

FIGURE 27 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view taken on line 2727 ofFIGURE 25.

FIGURE 28 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the method offorming one of the parts of the railing construction illustrated inFIGURE 20.

FIGURE 29 is an end view of the part illustrated in FIGURE 28 having thechannel thereof closed by a cover means of this invention.

FIGURE 30 is a view similar to FIGURE 20 and illustrates anotherembodiment of this invention.

FIGURE 31 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view taken on line 3131 ofFIGURE 30.

FIGURE 32 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view taken on line 3232 ofFIGURE 30.

FIGURE 33 is an enlarged, fragmentary, partially broken away view ofpart of the structure illustrated in FIGURE 30.

FIGURE 34 is a fragmentary, perspective view illustrating one method offorming a part of the structure illustrated in FIGURE 30.

FIGURE 35 is a view similar to FIGURE and illustrates another embodimentof this invention.

FIGURE 36 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view taken on line 36-36 ofFIGURE 35.

FIGURE 37 is an enlarged, fragmentary, partially broken away view ofpart of the railing construction illustrated in FIGURE 35 FIGURE 38 is aview similar to FIGURE 20 and illustrates another railing constructionof this invention.

FIGURE 39 is an enlarged, fragmentary, cross-sectional view taken online 3939 of FIGURE 38.

FIGURE 40 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view taken on line 4040 ofFIGURE 38.

While the various features of this invention are hereinafter describedand illustrated as being particularly adapted for forming a railingconstruction or the like, it is to be understood that the variousfeatures of this invention can be utilized singly or in any combinationthereof to provide other constructions as desired.

Therefore, this invention is not to be limited to only the embodimentsillustrated in the drawings, because the drawings are merely utilized toillustrate one of the wide variety of uses of this invention.

Referring now to FIGURE 1, an improved railing construction of thisinvention is generally indicated by the reference numeral and comprisesa plurality of substantially vertically extending posts 31, the posts 31being vertically supported by having the lower ends thereof embedded ina foundation structure A or the like.

If desired, the posts 31 can form the terminal portions of the railingconstruction 30 or one of both of the ends of the railing construction30 can be interconnected to vertically extending structure 31'.

An upper framing member 32 and a lower framing member 33 respectivelyextend between adjacent posts 31 or vertical structures 31 and aresecured thereto in a manner hereinafter described, the upper and lowerframing members 32 and 33 having inwardly facing channels for a purposehereinafter described.

A pair of upright framing members 34 extend between each pair of upperand lower framing members 32 and 33 in spaced relation relative to theposts 31 or vertical structure 31', the upright framing members 34 alsohaving inwardly facing channels.

In this manner each set of framing members 32, 33 and 34 define asubstantially rectangular area receiving a panel means 35 having theedges thereof respectively received in the inwardly facing channels ofthe framing members 32, 33 and 34, the panel means 35 being secured tothe framing members 32, 33 and 34 in a manner hereinafter described.

The unobstructed channels in the framing members 32, 33 and 34 as wellas the outwardly facing channels of the support posts 31 aresubsequently closed by capping members 36 of this invention in a mannerhereinafter described to hide various fastening means and provide anattractive structure, it being understood that the capping members 36for the support posts 31 are wider than the capping members of theframing members 32, 33 and 34 even though the same have the same generalconfiguration and function.

A suitable handrail 37 or the like is secured to the upper framingmembers 32 in a manner hereinafter described to complete the railingconstruction 30 of this invention.

Not only is the completed railing construction 30 attractive in design,strong and long lasting, but also the railing construction 30 isrelatively simple to manufacture and assemble in a manner to bedescribed whereby the railing constructions 30 of this invention arerelatively inexpensive.

For example, prefabricated panel construction B illustrated in FIGURE 19can be formed at a factory or the like to a users specification whereinthe panel means B includes the framing members 32, 33 and 34 togetherwith the interconnected panel means 35 so that the same can be shippedto the site along with the support posts 31 so that when the supportposts 31 have been secured in the desired supporting structure A, theprefabricated panel means B can be secured between the support posts 31in a manner hereinafter described without requiring field cutting of theprefabricated panel means B because of the unique arrangement of thisinvention which permits adjustments to be made between the prefabricatedpanel means B and the support posts 31.

For example, it has been found that even though the framing members 32and 33 of the prefabricated panel means B have been formed to desiredspecifications wherein the same will just fit between adjacent supportposts 31, the panel means 35 of this invention are placed under tensionin a manner hereinafter described which would tend to how the framingmembers 32 and 33 so that the same would not fit the support posts 31 ifthe support posts 31 were not formed in accordance with the teachings ofthis invention whereby in the past the prefabricated panel means B hadthe framing members 32 and 33 thereof cut extra long so that when thesame bowed the particular degree of bowing could be compensated for bycutting off an appropriate amount of the framing members 32 and 33 inthe field when the prefabricated panel means B would be utilized withpreset support posts 31.

However, according to the teachings of this invention, no field cuttingis required on the framing members 32 and 33 of the prefabricated panelmeans B because the support posts 31 of this invention permit relativeadjustments to be made without field cutting the framing members 32 and33 as will be apparent hereinafter.

Further, while the railing construction 30 illustrated in FIGURE 1 has aparticular configuration, it is to be understood that this invention isnot to be limited to such configuration because the various parts ofthis invention can be arranged in many different patterns to providerailing constructions having any desired configuration.

While the posts 31, framing members 32, 33 and 34, capping members 36and handrails 37 can be formed in any suitable manner and of anysuitable material, the embodiments thereof illustrated in the drawingsare formed by extruding metallic material, such as aluminum containingmetallic material in a manner conventional in the art whereby the costof making such parts are held to a minimum.

In particular, reference is made to FIGURE 2 wherein a suitable lengthof handrail stock 37 is extruded by a conventional extruding apparatus38.

As illustrated in FIGURE 2, the handrail stock 37 has a substantiallyinverted U-shaped cross-sectional configuration defined by an upperarcuate cross member 39 having a pair of depending legs 40 extendingfrom the opposed ends thereof, the legs 40 being substantially arcuateand having the free ends 41 thereof directed slightly inwardly asillustrated in FIGURE 2.

The overall exterior surface of the handrail stock 37 is defined bycurving smooth continuous surface means to prevent sharp edges whichwould tend to be hazardous when subsequently grasped by a user or thelike.

The handrail stock 37 has an inwardly extending abutment 42 on each leg40 spaced from the free end 41 thereof and having a flat surface 43disposed coplanar with the inner end of the free end 41 of therespective leg 40 for a purpose hereinafter described.

In addition, the cross member 39 of the handrail stock 37 has a pair ofinwardly directed abutments 44 respectively defining substantially flatsurfaces 45 adapted to be disposed horizontal when the handrail stock 37is utilized in a manner hereinafter described.

A pair of flanges 46 extend downwardly from the central portion of thecross member 39 of the handrail stock 37 and are spaced from each othera predetermined dis tance, the inside surfaces 47 of the flanges 46being provided with serrations adapted to hold the threaded portion of abolt subsequently received in the channel 48 defined between the flanges46 in a manner hereinafter described.

As illustrated in FIGURE 3, the upper framing member stock 32 may beextruded by a conventional extruding apparatus 49 in a manner well knownin the art and comprises a substantially double T-shaped member havingan upper stepped cross member 50 and a pair of spaced and parallel likedepending legs 51 intermediate the ends of the cross member 50. Thecross member 50 has an intermediate portion 52 integrally joined to thelegs 51 at a point below the upper ends '53 of the legs 51, the upperends 53 of the legs 51 being integrally joined to outer portions 54 ofthe cross member 50.

A pair of flanges 55 are joined to thefree ends of the outer portions 54of the cross member 50 and respectively have inwardly turned ends 56 andsubstantially straight and parallel lower ends 57.

The free ends 58 of the legs 51 have beveled surfaces 59 and V-shapedchannels 60 throughout the length thereof for a purpose hereinafterdescribed. In addition, the outer surfaces of the legs 51 have smallV-shaped channels 61 throughout the length thereof.

The flanges 55 of the upper framing member stock 32 have V-shapedgrooves 62 on the outer surface thereof and extending throughout thelength thereof for a purpose hereinafter described, the flanges 55cooperating with the legs 51 to define downwardly facing channels 63 fora purpose hereinafter described. Each flange 55 has inwardly directedabutments 64 and 65 disposed in aligned relation and projecting in thechannel 63 for a purpose hereinafter described.

As illustrated in FIGURE 4, the lower framing member stock 33 may beextruded by a conventional extruding apparatus 66, the extruded stock 33having substantially the same cross-sectional configuration as theupright framing member stock 34 except that the upright framing members34 are narrower than the lower framing members 33 as will be apparenthereinafter.

Therefore, the following description which relates to the lower framingmember stock 33 also applies to the upright framing member stock 34.

The lower framing member stock 33 has a substantially H-shapedcross-sectional configuration defined by a pair of flanges 67interconnected together intermediate the opposed ends thereof by anintermediate web 68.

The intermediate web 68 of the lower framing member stock 33 is offsettoward one of the ends of the flanges 67 whereby the intermediate web 68cooperates with the flanges 67 to define opposed outwardly facingchannels 69 similar to the downwardly facing channel 69 defined betweenthe legs 51 of the upper framing member stock 32 for a purposehereinafter described.

Each flange 67 of the lower framing member stock 33 has a pair oflongitudinally disposed grooves 70 formed inboard of the opposed ends 71and 72 thereof for a purpose hereinafter described, the grooves 70 oneach flange 67 facing similar grooves 70 in the other flange 67 andrespectively having V-shaped cross'sectio-nal configurations.

The opposed ends 71 and 72 of each flange 67 of the rail framing memberstock 33 are provided with beveled surfaces 73 which respectively facethe beveled surfaces 73 of the other flange 67 for a purpose hereinafterdescribed.

As iliustrated in FIGURE 5, the capping member stock 36 may be extrudedby a conventional extruding apparatus 74 in a manner well known in theart, the capping member stock 36 comprising a flat web 75 having a pairof flanges 76 secured to the side 77 thereof and inboard of the opposedends of the flat web 75.

Each flange 76 of the capping member stock 36 has an outwardly directed,substantially V-shaped enlargement 78 at the free end 79 thereof, theleading surface 80 of each enlargement 78 being continued to the freeend 79.

The free end 79 of the surface 80 is disposed inboard of the trailingsurface 81 relative to the inboard surface of the flange 76 for apurpose hereinafter described.

As illustrated in FIGURE 6, the post stock 31 is extruded by aconventional extruding apparatus 82 in a manner well known in the art,the post stock 31 defining a substantially outer rectangularcross-sectional configuration being defined by an intermediate crossmember 83 integrally joined to the medial portions of a pair of parallelflanges 84. Each flange 84 has inwardly turned ends 85 directed towardthe turned ends 85 of the other flange 84 whereby the flanges 84cooperate with the intermediate web 83 to define outwardly facing andoppositely directed channels 86 for a purpose hereinafter described.

Each enlargement 85 on each end of the flanges 84 defines a flat innersurface 87 and a beveled surface 88 leading to a recess 89 adjacent theexterior surface of the enlargement 85 for a purpose hereinafterdescribed.

When it is desired to form the railing construction 30 of this inventionfrom the parts illustrated in FIGURES 2-6, the post stock 31 is cut intothe desired lengths to form the integral posts 31 illustrated inFIGURE 1. Each post can be embedded in the foundation structure Awhereby the posts 31 are substantially vertically supported by thefoundation structure A. However, it is to be understood that the posts31 can be vertically supported in any other suitable manner as desired.

Thereafter, the railing construction 36 is completed in the mannerillustrated in FIGURE 1 by use of the framing members 32, 33 and 34,panel means 35, handrails 37 and capping member 36 in one or twomanners.

In particular, the panel construction B illustrated in FIGURE 19 can beprefabricated in a manner hereinafter described and shipped to the sitewhere the posts 31 are to be erected in the above manner and the panelconstruction B are then fitted between and secured to verticallysupported posts 31 in a manner hereinafter described.

Subsequently, the handrail structure 37 and capping members are utilizedto complete the railing construction 30.

However, if desired, the panel construction B can be fabricated at thesite as will be apparent hereinafter.

Each of the panel means 35, to be utilized in forming the railingconstruction 30 of this invention, is formed from a flexible wire meshstructure 90 as illustrated in FIGURE 14. The mesh structure isrespectively secured to rods 91 disposed at each side of the rectangularmesh structure 90, the rods 91 not being interconnected together so thatthe rods 91 can be pulled outwardly to place the mesh structure 90 undertension in a manner hereinafter described.

Each panel means 35 has a dimension slightly larger than the areasubsequently defined by each set of secured framing members 32, 33 and34 whereby the edges of the panel means 35 are respectively disposed inthe inwardly facing channels 69 of the framing members 32, 33 and 34,the panel means 35 being inserted in the channels 69 by suitably flexingthe panel means 35 to telescopically dispose the edges of the panelmeans 35 in the channels 69 of the framing members 32, 33 and 34 if theframing members 32, 33 and 34 are already secured together in a mannerhereinafter described.

However, should the panel means 35 be a substantially rigid structure sothat the same could not be flexed sufiiciently to telescope the edgesthereof into the channels 69 of the erecting framing members 32, 33 and34, the subassemblies B illustrated in FIGURE 19 could be fabricatedwithout interconnecting the upper framing member 32 in place until afterthe panel means had been vertically inserted into the channels 69 of theerected upright framing members 34 and the lower framing members 33.

When it is desired to form the individual pre-assernbled panel section Billustrated in FIGURE 19, to be subsequently secured between adjacentvertical structures 31, the upper and lower framing members 32 and 33are cut to the desired lengths and the upright framing members 34 arecut to the desired lengths and secured to the framing members 32 and 33in the manner illustrated in FIG- URES 12 and 13.

In particular, the framing members 34 are so constructed and arrangedthat the opposed ends 92 and 93 thereof are adapted to be respectivelytelescopically re ceived in the inwardly facing channels 69 of the upperand lower framing members 32 and 33 so that the opposed ends 92 and 93of each upright framing member 34 respectively abuts the flat webs and68 of the upper and lower framing members 32 and 33 at desired positionsspaced inwardly from the free ends of the upper and lower framingmembers 32 and 33.

Before the upright framing members 34 are disposed in the positionillustrated in FIGURE 12, the intermediate webs 68 thereof are suitablyapertured at 94 adjacent the ends 92 and 93 thereof so that theapertures 94 are adapted to respectively receive the curved ends 95 ofJ-bolts 96 respectively passing through suitable apertures 97 and 98formed in the fiat webs 50 and 68 of the upper and lower framing members32 and 33.

The J-bolts 96 each have a threaded end 99 which is adapted to receive anut 100 whereby each J-bolt 96 is adapted to be pulled outwardlyrelative to the upright framing member 34 upon tightening of the nut 100there of to cause the hooked or curved end 95 thereof to grasp againstthe edge of the aperture 94 in the upright framing member 34 topositively hold the upright framing member 34 in the proper positionthereof.

Each J-bolt 96 is disposed closely adjacent the intermediate web 68 ofthe respective upright framing member 34 on the side thereof facing theadjacent upright framing member 34 whereby the J-bolts 96 not onlysecure the upright framing member 34 to the upper and lower framingmembers 32 and 33, but also the J-bolts 96 function to limit inwardmovement of the upright framing members 34 when the panel means 35 aresecured thereto and subsequently placed under tension in a mannerhereinafter described.

Thus, it can be seen that it is relatively simple to fasten the framingmembers 32, 33 and 34 together by means of the J-bolts 96 whereby aframing structure is provided and defines a rectangular area beingbounded by the inwardly directed channels 69 of the interconnectedframing members 32, 33 and 34.

After the framing members 32, 33 and 34 have been interconnectedtogether by the J-bolts 96 in the manner previously described, the edgesof the panel means 35 are telescoped into the inwardly facing channels69 of the interconnected framing members 32, 33 and 34 whereby the panelmeans 35 is adapted to be secured in place and to be placed undertension in a manner now to be described.

The intermediate webs 68 of the upright framing members 34 and theintermediate web 68 of the lower framing member 33 are respectivelyprovided with suitably spaced apertures 101 in the manner illustrated inFIG- URE 15 whereby a hook-like member 102 is adapted to pass throughthe aperture 101 and have a nut 103 disposed on the threaded end 104thereof so that the hooked portion 105 of each hook like member 102 canbe drawn toward the intermediate web 68 upon tightening of the nut 103.

Similarly, such hook-like members 102 are carried by the flat web 50 ofthe upper framing member 32, the

hook like members 102 passing through suitable apertures 106 formedtherethrough.

The hook like members 102 carried by the framing members 32, 33 and 34are adaped to fit around the rods 91 of the panel means 35 so that upontightening of the nuts 103 of the hook like members 102, the meshstructure can be placed under tension so that the panel means 35 willprovide a substantialy rigid structure and complete the preassem-bledpanel section B of FIGURE 19 to be subsequently secured to adjacentvertical structures or posts 31 in a manner hereinafter described.

As illustrated in the drawings, it can be seen that the peripheral edgesof the panel means 35 are fully received in the inwardly facing channels69 of the framing members 32, 33 and 34 and are respectivelyinterconnected thereto by the hook like members 102.

However, it is to be understood that other panel means 35 can beutilized without having the same formed of the wire mesh structure 90.For example, the panel means 35 can provide a solid sheet of material,the important feature being that the edges of the panel means 35 aretelescopically received in the inwardly facing channels 69 of theframing members 32, 33 and 34 so that any means securing the panel means35 to the framing members 32, 33 and 34 are hidden in the channels 69thereof to provide an attractive design.

The preassembled panel section B is adapted to be disposed betweenadjacent support posts 31 by telescoping the panel section B downbetween the inwardly facing channels 86 of adjacent support posts 31 byhaving the opposed ends of the lower framing member 33 fully received inthe channels 86 thereof and pushed downwardly relative to the supportposts 31 until the upper framing member 32 receives the upper end of theflanges 84 of the support posts 31 in the channels 63 thereof in themanner illustrated in FIGURE 7 whereby the panel means B is suspendedbetween adjacent support posts 31 by having the outer portions 54 of theintermediate cross member 50 of the upper frame member resting on theupper ends of the support posts 31 in the manner illustrated in FIGURE7.

Since the preassembled panel sections B have been fabricated at thefactory, slight misalignment between the opposed ends of the upper andlower framing members 32 and 33 and the spacing between the supportposts is bound to occur. However, because the upper and lower framingmembers 32 and 33 have the ends thereof received in the channels 86 ofthe support posts 31 in the manner illustrated in FIGURE 9, it can beseen that the framing members 32 and 33 can be moved toward and awayfrom the intermediate web 83 of the support posts 31 to compensate forany misalignment thereof so that no field cutting is required tocompensate for misalignment or for undue bowing of the upper and lowerframing members 32 and 33 because of the tension of the panel means 35in the manner previously described.

After the particular preassembled panel means B has the upper framingmember 32 resting on the upper ends of adjacent support posts 31 in themanner illustrated in FIGURES 7 and 9, the fabricator takes a drill andplaces the bit in one of the grooves 62 on the outer surface of theflange 55 of the upper framing member 32 and drills through the same,through the adjacent flange 34 of the support post 31 through the legs51 of the framing member 32, through the opposite flange 84 of thesupport post 31 and the other flange 55 of the upper framing member 32.

Thereafter, the fabricator inserts a pin 107 through the drilledapertures to fully interconnect the upper framing member 32 to theparticular support post 31.

The other end of the upper framing member 32 can be likewise secured tothe other adjacent support post 31 by the pin means 107 in the mannerpreviously described.

Alternately, the upper framing member 32 can be secured to theparticular support post 31 by utilizing threaded members threadedlyinterconnecting the flanges 55 of the upper framing member 32 to each ofthe flanges 84 of the support post 31, if desired, in lieu of the pinmeans 107.

Therefore, it can be seen that it is relatively simple to fasten theupper frame member 32 of the preassembled section B to the support posts31 after the particular panel section B has been telescoped in place andbeen suspended between adjacent support posts 31 with the upper framingmember 32. resting on the upper ends of the support posts 31.

In order to fasten the lower framing members 33 to adjacent supportposts 31, any suitable means can be provided.

For example, fastening members 108, FIGURE 8, can be utilized to attachthe lower framing members 33 to the support posts 31, the fasteningmembers 108 each comprising an L-shaped member defined by two integrallyconnected legs 109 and 110 disposed at right angles relative to eachother. Each fastening member 108 has the legs 109 and 110 thereofslotted respectively at 111 and 112 to receive fastening members in themanner illustrated in FIGURE 9.

Alternately, fastening members 113 of FIGURE could be utilized, eachfastening member 113 comprising an L-shaped member having integrallyinterconnected legs 114 and 115 disposed at right angles relative toeach other and provided with rectangular slots 116 and 117.

When it is desired to fasten an end of a lower framing member 33 to asupport post 31, a leg 114 of a fastening member 113 is secured to anintermediate web 68 of the lower framing member 33 by a bolt means 118while the other leg 115 of the fastening member 113 is secured to theintermediate web 83 of the support post 331 by a bolt means 119.

If desired, the adjacent ends of the lower framing members 33 ofadjacent panel sections B can utilize the same bolt means 119 to fastenthe opposed fastening members 113 to the intermediate web 83 of thesupport posts 31 in the manner illustrated in FIGURE 9.

However, it is to be understood that the lower framing member 33 of eachpanel section B can be secured to the intermediate web 83 of the supportpost 31 by its own fastening member 113 and bolt means 119 if desired.

Therefore, it can be seen that the upper and lower framing members 32and 33 of each panel section B can be fastened to the adjacent supportposts 31 in a simple and unique manner wherein the fastening means arecompletely disposed within the channels 86 of the support posts 31 whilethe support posts 31 permit the panel Sections B to be adjusted relativethereto so that the upper and lower framing members 33 need not beaccurately cut to abut the intermediate web 83 of adjacent support posts31. However, while FIGURE 9 illustrates the ends of the upper and lowerframing members 32 and 33 being spaced from the intermediate web 83 ofthe support post 31, the free ends of the upper and lower framingmembers 32 and 33 could abut against the intermediate web 83 of thesupport post 31 if desired.

After the panel means B has been secured between adjacent support posts31 in the above manner, the handrail members 37 are, in effect, snapfitted over the flanges 55 of the upper framing members 32 in the mannerillustrated in FIGURES 7 and 11 whereby the abutments 42 of the legs ofthe handrail members 37 engage the flanges of the upper framing members32 and completely cover the pins 107 or other fastening means whichfasten the upper framing members 32 to the support posts 31, the upperends 56 of the flanges 55 of the upper framing members 32 bearingagainst the flat surfaces 45 of the enlargements 44 on the cross member39 of the handrails 37.

Thereafter, a suitable aperture 120 is formed in the intermediate part52 of the cross member 50 of the upper framing member 32 intermediatethe support posts 31 and the upright framing members 34 whereby asuitable threaded fastening member 121 can be passed through theapertures 120 and be threadedly received between the flanges 46 of thehandrail members 37 to fasten the handrail members to the cross member50 of the upper framing members 32.

Therefore, it can be seen that a relatively simple method has beenprovided for firmly attaching the handrails 37 in place to complete therailing construction 30 of this invention.

Subsequently, all of the unfilled channels 69 and 86 in the framingmembers 32, 33, 34 and posts 31 are closed by appropriately dimensionedcapping members 36 in the manner illustrated in FIGURES 17 and 1 so thatall fastening means will be completely hidden from view to produce anattractive and ornamental railing construction.

In particular, reference is made to FIGURE 17 whereby it can be seenthat the capping member 36 is adapted to be interconnected to theframing member 32, 33 or 34 or support post 31 to cover the unobstructedchannels 69 and 86 thereof.

The capping members 36 are so constructed relative to the framingmembers 32, 33 and 34 and support posts 31 that the legs or Webs 76 ofthe capping members 36 are adapted to be press fitted between the legs51, 67 and 84 of the framing members 32, 33 and 34 and support posts 31and have the fiat webs 75 thereof abut the free ends of the legs andflanges of the framing members 32, 33 and 34 and support posts 31 tocompletely close the unobstructed portions of the channels 69 and 86thereof.

As the legs 76 of a capping member 36 are about to be telescopicallyreceived in the unobstructed channel 69 of a particular framing member32, 33 or 34 or the channel 86 of a support post 31, the leadingsurfaces of the enlargements 78 of the legs 67 of the capping member 36are adapted to be cammed inwardly by the beveled surfaces 59, 73, or 83of the framing member 32, 33 or 34 or the support posts 31 to facilitatethe ease of insertion of the legs 76 of the capping member 36 betweenthe flanges 51, 67 or 84 of the framing member 32, 33 or 34 or supportposts 31.

As the legs 76 of the capping members 36 are inserted in the channels 69or 86, the enlargements 78 of the capping members 36 are eventuallysnapped outwardly into the slots 60, 70 of the framing members 32, 33and 34 or beyond the fiat surfaces 87 of the support posts 31 in themanner illustrated in FIGURE 17 whereby the capping members 36 are heldin place and the fiat webs 75 thereof abut against the free ends of theflanges 51, 67 or 84-.

Since the free ends 79 of the leading surfaces 80 of the enlargements 78of the capping members 36 are disposed inboard of the trailing surfaces81 relative to the inboard surfaces of the legs 76, it is more difficultto move the capping members 36 from the framing members 32, 33 and 34and support posts 31 than it is to insert the capping members 36therein.

If desired, the downwardly facing channels 69 of the lower framingmembers 33 could be closed by such capping members 36, if desired.

However, since the lower framing members 33 are normally disposedclosely adjacent the supporting structure A, the downwardly facing andunobstructed channel 69 of the lower framing member 33 need not becovered by the capping members 36 because it would be relativelydifiicult to view the bottom of the lower framing members 33.

When the capping members 36 are disposed in place in the above manner,it can be seen that all of the fastening structures of this inventionare completely closed from view whereby an attractive and ornamentalrailing construction 30 is provided by this invention.

Further the capping members 36 can be inserted in any unobstructed voidsin the channels 69 of the framing members 32, 33 and 34 or be utilizedas intermittent spacers when picket or spaced panels are utilized.

As a completely optionable feature, the majority of the exposed surfacesof the framing members 32, 33 and 34, support posts 31 and the cappingmembers 36 may be provided with serrated surfaces, or other suitablesurface finishes, so that fingerprints and the like are substantiallyeliminated even though the parts are continually being handled duringthe assembly thereof and, thereafter, during the use of the railingconstruction 30 whereby the railing construction 30 will not be readilymarked or marred.

While the railing construction 30 of this invention has been illustratedand described as having the upright framing members 34, adapted to betelescopically received in the upper and lower framing members 32 and33, it is to be understood that the upright framing members 34 could becut from the same stock as the lower framing members 33 to provideanother railing construction of this invention.

In particular, reference is made to FIGURE 18 wherein another railingconstruction of this invention is generally indicated by the referencenumeral 30A and parts thereof similar to railing construction 30 areindicated by like reference numerals followed by the reference letter A.

As illustrated in FIGURE 18, the upright framing members 34A are cutfrom the same stock as the lower framing members 33A whereby the uprightframing members 34A are each adapted to have the opposed free ends ofthe transverse webs 67A thereof abut the free ends of the transversewebs 51A and 67A of the upper and lower framing members 32A and 33A andbe secured to in any suitable manner.

For example, the upright framing members 34A can be secured to the upperand lower framing members 32A and 33A by welding at 122 as illustratedin FIGURE 18.

Therefore, it can be seen that the entire railing constructions of thisinvention can be formed from a relatively few parts in a relativelysimple and rapid manner to provide sturdy, longlasting and attractiverailing eonstructions having many uses.

Further, that parts for forming the railing constructions of thisinvention can be made in a relatively simple and rapid manner by simpleextrusion procedures.

While various terms vertical and horizontal are used herein, it is to beunderstood that such terms are not structural limitations of thisinvention, but are merely utilized for convenience of description forthe particular position of the structure illustrated in the drawings.

While the railing construction 30 has been previously described in aparticular configuration thereof, it is to be understood that thevarious parts of the railing construction 30 can be modified within theteachings of this invention to provide other types of railingconstructions.

In particular, reference is now made to FIGURES 20- 29 wherein anotherrailing construction of this invention is generally indicated by thereference numeral 123 and parts thereof similar to the railingconstruction 30 are indicated with like reference numerals.

For example, the railing construction 123 includes a plurality of panelmeans each including an upper frame member 32, a lower frame member 33and a pair of upright frame members 34 interconnected to the upper andlower frame members 32 and 33 in the manner previously described wherebythe frame members 32, 33 and 34 hold the mesh structure 90 in the mannerpreviously described.

However, while a plurality of support posts 31 are provided for therailing construction 123 in the manner previously described, anothersupport post 124 of this invention can be utilized in combination withthe support posts 31 whereby the support post 124 is adapted to abut12.. against a vertical wall 125 of the supporting structure A toprovide an end for the railing construction 123.

As illustrated in FIGURE 28, the support post 124 can be extruded in awell known manner by a suitable extruding apparatus 126 whereby theresulting support post 124 is substantially U-shaped defined by a crossmember 12'] integrally joined to a pair of transversely disposed legs128 each having inwardly turned ends 129 provided with interlockinggrooves or recesses 130 in a manner similar to the ends of the supportposts 31 previously described.

The support post 124 of this invention is adapted to be cut to thedesired length and be secured to the vertical wall of the supportingstructure A in any suitable manner. For example, the cross member 127thereof can be directly fastened to the vertical structure 125 bysuitable fastening means whereby the legs 128 of the support posts 124define a channel 131 therebetween for a purpose hereinafter described.

When the prefabricated panel means 35 has been provided in the mannerpreviously described, the upper frame member 32 thereof can have a pairof pin means 132 passing through the legs 51 thereof at the notches 61so as to project beyond the legs 51 at the opposed ends of the upperframe member 32 a distance to permit the pin means 132 to betelescopically disposed inwardly into the facing channels 131 and 86 ofthe support posts 124 and 31 while being of a length to prevent the pinmeans 132 from being withdrawn horizontally from the channels 131 and 86by the turned ends 129 and 35 of the support means 124 and 31.

In this manner, the pin means 132 carried by the upper frame member 32will interlock the upper frame member 32 to the support post means 124and 31.

In addition, the lower frame member 33 carries a pair of pin means 133at the opposed sides thereof with the pin means 133 passing through thelegs 67 thereof a distance to permit the pin means 133 to be verticallytelescoped into the channels 131 and 86 of the support post means 124and 31 while preventing the pin means 133 from being withdrawnhorizontally from the channels 131 and 86 by means of the turned ends129 and 85 of the support post means 124 and 31.

In this manner, the preassembled panel means 35 together with the pinmeans 132 and 133 can be vertically telescoped downwardly between thesupport post means 124 and 31 in such a manner that the opposed ends ofthe upper and lower framing members 32 and 33 will be telescopicallydisposed in the channels 131 and 86 of the support means 124 and 31 andbe horizontally interlocked there-to by means of the pin means 132 and133 in the manner previously described, the panel means being suspendedbetween the support post means 124 and 31 by having the upper web 50 ofthe upper frame member 32 resting on the tops of the support post means124 and 31 in the manner previously described.

Depending upon the requirements of a particular installation, either theweight of the preassembled panel means 35 alone or this weight plus thefriction developed between the snap cover 36 and the support post means124 will be sufiicient to hold panel means 35 to the support post means124 and 31.

However, if it is desired to further fasten the panel means 35 intoassembled relation with the support post means 124 and 31, the pin means107 of FIGURE 7 can be utilized in the manner illustrated in FIGURE 23to directly secure the panel means 35 to the support post means 124 and31 in the manner previously described.

Thereafter, the hand rail 37 is utilized to complete the railingconstruction 123 in the manner previously described for the railingconstruction 30.

vftlesired, the unobstructed outwardly facing channel 131 of the supportpost means 124 can be subsequently closed by a mating cover means 36 inthe manner illus- 13 trated in FIGURE 29 in the manner previouslydescribed for closing the channels 86 of the support posts 31.

Therefore, it can be seen that the lower frame members 23 of the railingconstruction 123 can be interconnected to the support post means 124 and31 by the pin means 133 rather than by the structure illustrated in FIG-URE 9 of the railing construction 30.

Another railing construction of this invention is generally indicated bythe reference numeral 134 in FIG- URES 30-34 and parts thereof similarto the railing constructions 30 and 123 previously described areindicated by like reference numerals.

In particular, the railing construction 134 includes the support means Acarrying the support post means 124 and 31 for supporting panel means135 of this invention, each panel means 135 including upper and lowerframe members 32 and 33 interconnected to the support post means 124 and31 in the same manner as the railing construction 123 of FIGURE 20 and apair of upright frame members 34 either interconnected to the upper and"lower frame members 32 and 33 in the manner previously described or inthe manner illustrated in FIGURES 31 and 33 later to be described. Theframe members 32, 33 and 34 carry a panel 136 in a manner hereinafterdescribed and hand rail means 37 and cover means 36 complete the railingconstruction 134 in the manner previously described.

Since the panel member 136 of the railing construction 134 issubstantially rigid, the upright frame members 34 can be interconnectedto the upper and lower frame members 32 and 33 by an elongated J-'bolt137 having a threaded end 138 passing through a suitable aperture 139 inthe transverse Web 50 of the upper frame member 32 and having a hook end140 passing through a suitable aperture 141 in the transverse web 68 ofthe lower frame member 33 whereby upon tightening a nut 142 on the end138 of the I-bolt 137, the opposed ends of the particular upright framemember 34 are compacted against the webs 50' and 68 of the upper andlower frame members '32 and 33, the I-bolt 137 being disposed againstthe transverse web '68 of the upright frame member 34. Thereafter, covermembers 36 can be utilized to close off the outwardly directed channels69 of the upright frame members 34 in the manner illustrated in FIGURE32.

In order to interconnect the substantially rigid panel member 136 to theframe members 32, 33 and 34, a suitable retainer 143 is provided, theretainer 143 for the upright frame members 34 having the proper size tobe inserted in the channels 69 thereof while the retainers 143 for theframe members 32 and 33 having the correct size for insertion in thechannel 69 thereof.

In particular, the retainer 143 can be extruded by a conventionalextruding apparatus 144 in the manner illustrated in FIGURE 34 so thatthe extrusion 143 can be subsequently cut to the desired length.

The retainer 143 is substantially U-shaped defined by a cross member 144integrally connected to a pair of spaced parallel legs 145 eachterminating in a reversely turned fiat end 146. Each end 146 has anangularly disposed fiange 147 extending inwardly therefrom and providedwith a projection 148 adapted to be snapped in a channel 69 of theupright and lower frame members 33 and 34 or the channel '69 of theupper frame member 32 in the manner illustrated in FIGURES 31 and 32while the ends 146 effectively close off the channels 69 thereof.

In this manner, it can be seen that the retainers 143 can be snapped inthe channels 63 of the frame members 32, 33 and 34 whereby each retainer143 defines an outwardly facing channel 149 adapted to receive aperipheral edge of the substantially rigid panel member 136 in themanner illustrated in FIGURES 31 and 32 so that a preassembled panelmeans 135 can be provided to be subsequently assembled with the supportpost means 124 and 31 in the manner previously described.

Therefore, it can be seen that by utilizing the retainer 14 143 of thisinvention the frame members 32, 33 and 34 can be utilized to carry otherpanel means 136 rather than the mesh structure previously described.

Another railing construction of this invention is generally indicated bythe reference numeral 150 in FIG- URES 35-37 and parts thereof similarto the railing constructions 30, 123 and 134 are indicated by likereference numerals.

As illustrated in FIGURE 35, the railing construction 150 includes thesupport post means 124 and 31 carried by the supporting structure A anda plurality of panel means 151 of this invention interconnected to thesupport means 124 and 31 in the same manner as provided by railingconstruction 123.

In particular, each panel means 151 includes an upper and lower framemembers 32 and 33 and a plurality of upright frame members 152 arrangedin a picket fashion in a manner now to be described.

Each upright frame member 152 has a substantially hollow rectangularcross-sectional configuration whereby the same can be interconnected tothe upper and lower frame members 32 and 33 by a previously described I-bolt 137 passing through the interior of the particular upright framingmember 152 in the manner illustrated in FIGURES 36 and 37.

In this manner, each upright frame member 152 can be effectivelyinterconnected to the transverse webs 50 and 68 of the upper and lowerframe members 32 and 33 by the J-bolt 137 so that the upright framemembers 152 provide a preassembled panel means 151 having a picketeffect to be interconnected to the support posts 124 and 31 in the samemanner as the panel means 35 of FIGURE 20 and previously described.

Thereafter, the unobstructed portions of the channels 69 in the upperand lower framing members 32 and 33 can be filled with the cover means36 and the hand rail means 37 can complete the railing construction 150.

Another railing construction of this invention is generally indicated bythe reference numeral 153 in FIG- URES 3840 and parts thereof similar tothe previously described railing constructions 30, 123, 134 and 150 areindicated by like reference numerals.

In particular, the railing construction 153 as illustrated in FIGURE 38includes the support post means 124 and 31 interconnected to thesupporting structure A and carrying a panel means 154 of this inventiontherebetween, the panel means 154 including upper and lower framemembers 32 and 33 interconnected to the support post means 124 and 31 inthe same manner as provided in the railing construction 123 of FIGURE20.

A pair of upright frame members 152 are interconnected to the upper andlower frame members 32 and 33 by the previously described J-bolts 137and a plurality of panel sections 155 are disposed therebetween byhaving the opposed ends thereof received in the inwardly facing channels69 of the upper and lower frame members 32 and 33.

In particular, it can be seen that each panel section 155 includestubular sides 156 interconnected together by vertically corrugatedintermediate portions 157.

In this manner, the sections 155 can be arranged in a preassembledrelationship with the frame members 32, 33 and 152 so that thepreassembled panel means 154 can be interconnected to the support postmeans 124 and 41 in the manner previously described.

If desired, certain of the tubular ends 156 of the sections 155 can beinterconnected to the frame members 32 and 33 by the previouslydescribed I-bolts 137 passing therethrough. Further, additional uprightframe members 152 can be utilized intermediate the outer end uprightframe members 152, if desired, with those intermediate upright framemembers 152 being interconnected to the upper and lower fame members 32and 33 by the previously described J-bolts 137.

In view of the above, it can be seen that many different types ofrailing constructions can be formed according to the teachings of thisinvention to readily permit preassembled panel means to be effectivelyand simply interconnected to support post means without requiring fieldcutting to compensate for misalignment between the support posts and thepreassembled panel means.

While the form of the invention now preferred has been disclosed asrequired by the statutes, other forms may be used, all coming within thescope of the claims which follow.

What is claimed is:

1. In a railing construction or the like, a pair of spaced support postseach having an inwardly facing channel, said support posts each havingan upper end, and a panel construction secured to said support posts,said panel construction having an upper frame member provided withopposed ends telescopically received in said channels of said supportposts, said upper frame member having a transverse web resting directlyon the tops of said upper ends of said support posts to suspend saidpanel construction between said support posts.

2. In a railing construction as set forth in claim 1, said panelconstruction having a lower frame member provided with opposed endstelescopically received in said channels of said support posts.

3. In a railing construction as set forth in claim 2, said panelconstruction having a pair of upright frame members respectively securedto said upper and lower frame members and disposed inboard of saidsupport posts.

4. In a railing construction or the like as set forth in claim 1, saidupper frame member carrying pin means interlocked in said facingchannels of said support posts.

5. In a railing construction or the like, a pair of spaced support postseach having an inwardly facing channel, said a panel constructionsecured to said support posts, said panel construction having an upperframe member provided with opposed ends telescopically received in saidchannels of said support posts, said upper frame member having atransverse web resting on said support posts to suspend said panelconstruction between said support posts, each support post having twoflanges, said upper frame member having two flanges disposed outboard ofand overlapping said flanges of said support posts.

6. In a railing construction as set forth in claim 5, fastening meansfastening said flanges of said upper frame member and said flanges ofsaid support posts together.

7. In a railing construction as set forth in claim 5, said upper framemember having two legs depending from said transverse web inboard ofsaid flanges thereof to define two downwardly facing channelsrespectively receiving said flanges of said support posts.

8. In a railing construction or the like, a pair of spaced support postseach having an inwardly facing channel, and a panel construction securedto said support posts, said panel construction having an upper framemember provided with opposed ends telescopically received in saidchannels of said support posts, said upper frame member having atransverse web resting on said support posts to suspend said panelconstruction between said support posts, each support post having twoflanges, said upper frame member having two flanges disposed outboard ofand overlapping said flanges of said support ports, said upper framemember having two legs depending from said transverse web inboard ofsaid flanges thereof to define two downwardly facing channelsrespectively receiving said flanges of said support ports, said legscarrying pin means interlocked in said facing channels of said supportposts by being disposed behind i6 inwardly turned ends of said flangesof said support posts.

9. In a railing construction or the like, a pair of spaced support postseach having an inwardly facing channel, and a panel construction securedto said support posts, said panel construction having an upper framemember provided with opposed ends telescopically received in saidchannels of said support posts, said upper frame member having atransverse web resting on said support posts to suspend said panelconstruction between said support posts, each support post having twoflanges, said upper frame member having two flanges disposed outboard ofand overlapping said flanges of said support posts, said panelconstruction including a lower frame member having opposed endstelescopically disposed in said facing channels of said support postsand carrying pin means interlocked in said facing channels by beingdisposed behind inwardly turncd ends of said flanges of said supportposts.

10. In a railing construction or the like as set forth in claim 1, eachpost having a substantially H-shaped crosssectional configurationdefined by a cross member joined to the medial portions of a pair ofspaced parallel flanges to define opposed outwardly facing channels,said upper frame member having said transverse web thereof resting onsaid flanges of said support posts to suspend said panel constructionbetween said support posts.

11. In a railing construction or the like as set forth in claim 1, eachsupport post having an H-shaped crosssectional configuration defined bya cross member interconnected to the medial portions of a pair of spacedparallel flanges, each flange having the free ends thereof turned towardthe free ends of the other flange.

12. In a railing construction as set forth in claim 11, a capping memberbeing snap-fitted to adjacent ends of said flanges to close off thecavity defined between those ends.

13. In a railing construction or the like, a pair of spaced supportposts each having an inwardly facing channel, and a panel constructionsecured to said support posts, said panel construction having an upperframe member provided with opposed ends telescopically received in saidchannels of said support posts, said upper frame member having atransverse web resting on said support posts to suspend said panelconstruction between said support posts, said upper frame member havinga substantially double-T cross-sectional configuration defined by across member and a pair of spaced parallel legs depending from the crossmember intermediate the ends of said cross member, said frame memberhaving a pair of flanges respectively joined to said ends of said crossmember.

14. In a railing construction as set forth in claim 13, the lowerportions of said flanges of said upper frame member cooperating withsaid legs to define two downwardly facing channels.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,557,002 6/1951 Lathorp 25 6-653,037,593 6/1962 Webster 25624 3,101,929 8/1963 Dvore 25624 3,195,8647/1965 Case 256-65 3,305,221 2/1967 Kling 256-24 X 3,313,527 4/1967Eriksson 2562l X FOREIGN PATENTS 768,322 2/1957 Great Britain.

964,048 7/1964 Great Britain.

350,981 2/ 1961 Switzerland.

DAVID J. WILLIAMOWSKY, Primary Examiner.

DENNIS L. TAYLOR, Examiner.

